Have you heard about oyster shots?
It’s something that divides foodies like no other debate. Oysters; you either love ’em or you hate ’em. Well, we’ve discovered a new way to enjoy oysters that has really got us hooked. And it might be just the thing to turn around all the oyster skeptics. The underrated oyster shot or oyster shooter is relatively unknown to many people, but increasingly, more and more bars are adding it to their menus. And for a good reason. For those who don’t know, oyster shots are simply made when an oyster is removed from it’s shell, placed in a shot glass and mixed with various kinds of alcohols and ingredients. They may not look pretty, however the unforgettable flavour hit is not one to turn down. So, if you are looking for a different way to start the party, look no further than seafood’s best kept secret!
The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room
Sitting on a slant down Grosvenor Street in the Rocks, The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room, isn’t a bar that does things on the straight and narrow. And they simply live and breathe oysters with the one of the widest range in Sydney. They have two oyster shots to choose from, the verdita and the sangrita. Both contain a different mix of ingredients, paired with a fair dollop of Don Julio Blanco tequila to really give it a kick. In the verdita is fresh pineapple, coriander, jalapeno and mint, while the sangrita is a mix of tomato, lemon juice and chill sauce for a more classic oyster shot. Most bars opt for vodka in their recipes, but we really enjoy the tequila twist at The Morrison.
The Morrison
225 George St, Sydney 9247 6744, Mon – Wed: 11:30am-12:00pm, Thurs: 11:30am -1:00pm, Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 2:00pm, Sun: 11:30am-10:00pm
Opera Bar
There’s nothing better than sipping on a few refreshing cocktails on Sydney Harbour, and Opera Bar does it well. Add a little twist to your experience and try one of their two oyster shots from the raw menu. At Opera Bar, your options are two tomato-based classics, gazpacho and a virgin mary. Both of these are non-alcoholic so you can suck down as many as you like, with only having to fork out a fiver every time. The gazpacho is recreating the chilled tomato soup with the same name but instead using all yellow ingredients. Yellow tomatoes, yellow capsicums and onions and vinegar to pack a tangy punch. The virgin mary is just like a bloody Mary shot sans alcohol with the oyster added in.
Opera Bar
Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House, Macquarie St, Sydney 9247 1666, Mon – Thurs: 8:00am-12:00am, Fri – Sat: 8:00am -1:00pm
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar
Opera Bar’s neighbour Sydney Cove Oyster Bar may be smaller but they are no less impressive. On top of an delightful open air dining experience next to the harbour, this oyster bar offers eight different oyster shots to choose from. These include the original, margarita, mango & peach, sake, blue vodka, Tokyo, Pure Thai and mojito. For the spice fans, the Tokyo pairs the oyster with wasabi and citrus vodka, but for a smoother taste blue vodka uses blue curaçao and the Pure Thai combines Pure Thai sauce with coriander and vodka. The many different international inspirations bring a different flavour and experience to each shot and will certainly turn any oyster rookie into an expert.
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar
LOT 1 Circular Quay E, Sydney 9247 2937, Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 11:30pm, Sat – Sun: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Bloody Mary’s
Bloody Mary’s in Darlinghurst is named after the one and only bloody Mary, the saviour of hungover Sunday brunchers everywhere. They have the one simple oyster shot and it’s a good one. The BM oyster shot is basically a mini bloody Mary in a shot glass, with homemade tomato juice, a secret mix of special spices, worcestershire sauce and vodka. This oyster shot will certainly perk up your day, tasting especially delicious in the morning (we won’t judge.)
Bloody Mary’s
332 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 9360 5568, Mon- Wed & Sun: 8:00am – 10:00pm, Thur – Sat: 8:00am -12:00pm
The Gretz
The Gretz in Enmore is all about their seafood and love to experiment with new ways of serving it. Throughout the year, they have served oyster shots as a special, usually $5 a pop. The shot was a smoky mix of Herradura Reposado tequila, pique, tomato juice, citrus and spice. Keep your eye out in the new year for more oyster specials, including shots, and other menu items creating new taste combinations with oysters.
The Gretz
125 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW, Tues – Fri: 4:00om – 12:00am, Sat: 2:00pm -12:00pm, Sun: 2:00pm – 10:00pm